I think that was kinda the opposite - those were the public appearances ... no wonder Tillerson got sick in Kenya ;)
I noticed that, too. Unusual announcement; if it had been business as usual, he could have rescheduled meetings or sent aides to do a preliminary, and not have had to "make an announcement." Being "sick" was a cover for suspended operations because he was no longer in charge.
The article also mentioned that he asked to return to the U.S. before the announcent was made. This was very good thinking. There is great danger to Americans anywhere these days. He could have been kidnapped.